Following a primary market research, a number of potential POC diagnostic device applications were evaluated in terms of feasibility, market needs, revenue generating potential, market growth rate and competition. Among these, four disease areas were chosen to be our primary targets for BioLED device development. These POC devices will enable on-the-spot quantitative and qualitative diagnosis from a few drops of blood, urine or saliva for:

Diabetes Management (Kidney Markers):
The prevalence of diabetes for all age-groups worldwide was estimated to be 2.8% in 2000 and 4.4% in 2030. The total number of people with diabetes is projected to rise from 171 million in 2000 to 366 million in 2030 (Global Prevalence of Diabetes. Diabetes Care 27:1047-1053, 2004). Microalbuminuria (MAU), a well known diabetic nephropathy marker, is defined by increased urinary Human Serum Albumin (HSA) excretion. If diagnosed at an early stage, MAU can be treated before its progression to the development of diabetic nephropathy (kidney failure). Approximately 25-30% of all diabetics develop evidence of nephropathy.

We plan to develop chips for the detection of Microalbuminuria, (albumine:creatinine in urine)

Cardiovascular Diseases (Cardiac Markers):
Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for the deaths of 17 milion people worldwide each year, making them the developed world's leading cause of death according to the World Health Organization. 32 million heart attacks and strokes per year demonstrate the need for the development of accurate, cost efficient and accessible diagnostics. Conventional diagnostic techniques, however, are costly, time consuming and of limited predictive potential. A smarter diagnostic approach is the in vitro measurement of various cardiac biomarkers of high preventive value, using a POC device.

We plan to develop chips for: HDL Cholesterol, myoglobin and Triglycerides (all in blood)

Drugs of Abuse:
According to the World Drug Report 2005, 5% of the global population have consumed illicit drugs at least once in the last 12 months. This number (about 200 million people) illustrates the severity of substance abuse as a major healthcare and socioeconomic problem. Diagnosis of substance abuse is imperative to the judicial system, professional, professional sports, large corporations and healthcare. Easy, fast, simple and on-site diagnosis has considerable commercial value and huge revenue generating potential.

We plan to develop chips for: THC, Cocaine, Morphine, Metamphetamine all in urine.